MANSFIELD — Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center and Neos Dance Theatre are proud to present the Kentucky Derby Day event of the year – Boots & Ballet – on Saturday, May 6 from 4 to 9 p.m.
The event will be held in the newly renovated historic riding hall at Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center, 569 S. Trimble Rd., Mansfield, Ohio.
Now in its third year, Boots & Ballet is a collaborative multi-media fundraiser benefitting Neos and Raemelton. The event transforms the indoor riding hall into a Kentucky Derby Day Experience, incorporating the excitement of the Run for the Roses with the grace and elegance of art through dance.
The VIP lounge ($60 per person) and general admission ($25 per person) will open at 4 p.m. Guests can bet on the earlier afternoon races and The Derby, peruse the silent/live auction items and enjoy a signature Mint Julep, or a perfect glass of wine from area wine cellars from the cash bar.
Guests can capture their Kentucky Derby Day memories – and Big Hats – with a photo opportunity provided by Traci Graziani’s Tog Loft.
This year, the VIP lounge will be treated to fine cuisine from Altered Eats – presented by Anne Massie, Nicholas Copley and Rasul Welch (previously with Moveable Feast). Hors d’oeuvres will be available from 4 to 7 p.m. Food and two drink tickets (additional drinks available for purchase) are included in the $60 VIP ticket price.
The lounge is reserved only for VIP guests. VIP tickets will be limited to 200 guests. Once they are sold out, they are gone! It is recommended that you purchase VIP online! The general admission area will feature a cash bar, and food will be available for purchase from Pancho’s Tacos.
The thrill of the Kentucky Derby will be brought to life on a giant screen at 6:34 p.m with a state-of-the-art projector (funded through The Hire Family Foundation).
Following The Race, selections from Neos Dance Theatre’s repertoire are slated. Resident choreographer for Neos, Mary-Elizabeth Fenn, will present selections of her newest work, inspired by urban artists, dance.r.evolution (funded by the Knight Art Challenge). Penny Saunders’ Flight, a Neos audience favorite, will round out the program.
Saunders is known for her work with Hubbard, MOMIX, Cedar Lake, Neos and other classical and contemporary dance companies around the country. NEW THIS YEAR, Raemelton and Neos are thrilled to announce that Neos will be performing with the Richland NewHope Dance Troupe, led by Aurelio Villa Luna Diaz, in a special number choreographed especially for this event!
Silent and Live Auctions will be held throughout the evening. The performance is part of the MT Business Technology’s 2016-17 Neos Dance Theatre sponsorship. The stage area is being sponsored by Modern Woodman of America. Proceeds from this event will benefit Neos Dance Theatre and Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center.
Advance tickets for Boots & Ballet are available online at neosdancetheatre.org. Ticket prices are $60.00 for VIP Access; $25 Adult/$10 Students & Senior General Admission. General Admission tickets, and a limited number of VIP tickets, will be available at the door.
Look for live/silent auction items to be featured and described on both Neos and Raemelton’s websites (neosdancetheatre.org / Raemelton.org) and Facebook pages. Don’t miss the event of the season!
